sMiLes is the name of the Haitian-Canadian sax player and composer Jowee Omicil’s new album. Like our current president, Omicil seems to have a loose grasp of how capital letters are used, but the album title, in his version, suggests the presence of Miles Davis lurking in the background, and in its freewheeling approach to jazz and global pop, you can definitely sense Miles’ influence – eventually made explicit in the late track called “MiLes ConvoY.” But before we get there, Omicil gives us a “Trip to GHanA,” an effervescent blend of West African highlife (the guitar-based style popular in the mid-20th century), Haitian rhythms, and jazz, all over a gently funky beat.

An absolutely magnificent duo.

In just under an hour, Jowee Omicil takes us on quite a journey, letting us experience a rollercoaster of intensity.

sMiLes is more than just a jazz album: it’s a musical journey, a celebration of freedom and improvisation, and a sincere homage to the influences that shaped Jowee Omicil. Available today, it promises to resonate with both discerning music lovers and curious listeners seeking authentic emotions.

A pretty exciting album called sMiLes — it’s about jazz, about freedom of expression, and the exploration of sounds and different forms of expression.

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The smile remains the most formidable weapon.

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MiLes ConvoY — It’s one of the most unusual and innovative tracks on the album.

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